Page 94 of Senior

“I’m sixteen. Been here eight years. My parents died in a car accident when I was seven. I lived with my grandmother for a year and when she died, that was it. I’ve grown real acquainted with this system… too acquainted if you ask me.”’

I could tell that held a deeper meaning, but I doubt she would elaborate if I asked. She didn’t know me or trust me, so why would she?

“I’m so sorry to hear that, sweetheart.”

She shrugged. “No need to be sorry. You didn’t do anything to me.”

But somebody did, I thought.

“He’s a good one, you know,” she said, staring at the little guy. “His name is Dax. He’s eleven. Real sweet. Super smart. Respectful. He listens, and he’s clean. Maybe he’d be a good fit for you guys. He already seems to like your husband.”

I looked at her curiously. “Those are some pretty convincing facts about him.”

“He can be a little hyper at times, though. You just have to be patient with him. Sometimes he’s clingy. He loves hugs and he’ll ask you a million questions because he’s curious about everything. Oh, and he’s afraid of the dark.” She paused for a moment. “Bad things happened in the dark.”

My hand went to my heart. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was saying.

“Sevyn—”

She cut me off. “Your husband… is he a good man?”

I noticed she hadn’t once taken her eyes off Stanley and Dax. Senior seemed just as taken with the little boy as he was with him. There was no doubt he’d found another son just that quick.

“One of the best men I know. Why are you asking all this?”

“Because I have to protect Dax. I need to know he’s going with good people.”

That’s when it clicked for me. “He’s your brother, isn’t he?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes. Even if I don’t get adopted, I want him to go to a good home. A safe home.” She finally looked at me. “If you take him, can I come see him? I don’t wanna stay, I just don’t want him to forget me. He’s all I have, Ms. Stephanie.”

I slid closer to her and gently took her hand. “Oh, honey…”

She allowed me to pull her into my arms where she cried softly against my chest. Senior and Dax’s eyes lock in on us. The little boy abandoned his position on the court and ran over.

“Sevyn, are you okay?” he asked, squatting in front of her.

She quickly wiped her tears away. “I’m okay, bud.” She forced a smiled as she looked at him and ruffled his curls. “You were on your A-game out there.”

He grinned as Senior approached us. “I tried. He’s pretty good for an old guy.”

Senior playfully jabbed him. “I told you about calling me old.”

Dax laughed. “This is Mr. Stanley. Mr. Stanley, this is my sister, Sevyn.”

Senior looked at me with a wide smile before extending his hand to her. “It’s very nice to meet you, Sevyn.”

She was hesitant to shake his hand, but she did.

“Nice to meet you.” She motioned to me. “Dax, this is Ms. Stephanie.”

It was like Dax finally noticed me. He blushed when his eyes landed on me.

“Hi, Ms. Stephanie. I’m Daxon, but you can call me Dax.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Daxon. Sevyn has told me a lot about you.”

He looked at his sister. “Good things, right?”